The William B. Robertson Initiative

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Robertson Scholars Program

In His Own Words

“After my family put together every penny that we possessed, God, by way of my mother and father, sent me to Bluefield State College – the finest in the country. Arriving by train from Roanoke, I hurried to Conley Hall, next door, to register. I soon found that I did not have enough money to register. My hopes and dreams seemingly were doomed. I called my father and explained the situation. He advised me to catch the next train home because there was no more money. Now, I’m in front of the building, Conley Hall, attempting to thumb a ride back to the train station. The longest car I had ever seen pulled up beside me, the driver motioned me to get in.

“Where are you going? Why?” the man asked. “The train station, I don’t have enough money to register,” I said. He drove me about 30 yards and entered the driveway at the end of the road to what was then the President’s home, Hatter Hall. He introduced himself. “I’m Dr. HL Dickerson, President of Bluefield State College.” He scribbled a note and told me to take it to the Dining Hall and get a good meal. Then, take it to the dormitory to get a good night’s sleep and be in his office the next morning at 9:00 o’clock. I was there at 8:30. He allowed me to pay what I had and gave me a job in the Dining Hall to pay the remainder. All of this was providential. This was God. He, God, had a plan for me – my life changed in an instant. My life was changed right here on the campus of Bluefield State College – in an instant. I’m hitching a ride to return home and who picks me up? But the President of the College, who saw value in this 17-year-old young man.” [William B. Robertson | Speech | Robertson Library Dedication Ceremony | Bluefield State College | August 18, 2019]

About the Program

The Robertson Scholars Program (RSP) aims to support students from the Roanoke City Public Schools in their higher education goals – specifically with their goals to study at an HBCU. Often the ability to apply and attend an institution depends on small amounts of funding.

Modeled on the vision and life-changing experience of William B. Robertson, RSP funding is focused on providing students with microgrants. Provided by the Robertson Initiative and its donors, RSP students can receive up to $500 toward college application fees, college visit travels, supplies and books. In addition, each scholar receives 5 hours of college admissions mentoring – support with the application process.

Application

  1. Complete the application form by February 1.
  2. Request one letter of recommendation from a teacher/administrator at the your school and upload the document to the application (PDF).
  3. Write a 500-700 word statement or 2-minute video as to why these funds and the mentoring would matter to you and upload the document to the application (PDF).
  4. Questions can be directed to info@robertsoninitiative.org.

Stewardship

Donors will be kept updated as to how their funds are being utilized – both by the Robertson Initiative and by the RSP scholars. All gifts/donations are tax deductible.

DONATE TO THE ROBERTSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Small amounts make the difference.